Richmond Hill Seizure: Over 798,000 Unmarked Cigarettes, 6,500 Untaxed Cigars Taken by Ministry

Ministry of Finance investigators seized 798,360 unmarked cigarettes and 6,560 untaxed cigars in Richmond Hill on April 22, 2025. Four individuals were charged under the Tobacco Tax Act, according to the Ministry of Finance.

The seizure is part of an enforcement action targeting violations of Ontario's tobacco tax rules. The Ministry says selling cigarettes in cartons or packages without the province's yellow stamp is illegal, except under certain exceptions. Engaging in the tobacco trade without the necessary permits is also prohibited.

The Ministry of Finance states that cigarettes sold in clear plastic bags are illegal, as is participation in the tobacco sector without required permits. In addition to court-imposed fines for breaches of the Tobacco Tax Act, individuals and businesses may face additional civil penalties.

Since January 2020, the Ministry reports that Ontario has recorded 505 convictions under the Tobacco Tax Act. These have resulted in fines totaling over $5.4 million, 33 jail terms, 78 probation terms, and five community service sentences.